Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) might not be having the best time right now, especially after being stripped of his WBC lightweight title. But, he might just be on the path to becoming a bigger name in the world of boxing, even bigger than the likes of Terence Crawford, or so says former world champion Tim Bradley.
On his channel, Bradley urged that, with his drive to be in the media spotlight, Stevenson will very likely pave his own path and make a name for himself in the world of boxing.
“I think Shakur has the ability, and it’s no shade on Terence. He’ll be remembered forever. Terence changed the game, and he did it his way. I think Shakur is going to do it his way as well,” he said.
Stevenson has been having a weird stretch where, despite being exceptionally skilled, his momentum with fans has stalled. One could say his trouble started after his 2023 showdown against Edwin De Los Santos, where he won the vacant WBC lightweight title in a safety-first fight that drew heavy boos from fans. In fact, the narrative around him shifted toward him being “boring,” and things only got worse after that.
While he remained successful, there was often weight uncertainty with him at 135, and with most of his fights being technical, fans felt like they were missing out on the explosiveness.
He recently went up in weight to fight Teofimo Lopez at junior welterweight. Even though he won the WBO and the Ring titles, the WBC stripped him of the lightweight title less than a week later.
Bradley believes that, despite the shakiness he is currently facing, Stevenson might soon become much more popular than Crawford.
“But I think he’s going to be a lot more popular and a lot more respected than I believe Terence Crawford is. That’s a shame, but it is what it is. I wouldn’t say he’s charismatic. He’s not Ali. He’s not going to have to do it with his mouth. Shakur is becoming a superstar with his skill, and by beating the guys you feel he can’t beat,” he said.
“I Just Paid These Dudes”
Stevenson, on the other hand, is none too happy about being stripped of the title. Taking to X soon after WBC released the statement, he expressed his disappointment with the organization.
“And I just paid these dudes after my last fight,” he said. “What the hell im giving yall 100k right now for? Because yall got beef with Bud so come at me for it.”
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